People’s participation in democratic process in india

SOCIAL SCIENCE

MODULE - 3 People’s Participation in the Democratic Process

Democracy at Work

150

Notes

22

PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN

THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

Vijaya was going through an editorial in a newspaper and exclaimed, “I am delighted

to live in a successful democracy like India”. Rampal, her father says, “I may not

be very educated, but I am wondering, whether we really are a successful democracy,

I see many people who are still begging on the streets or are malnourished.” Vijaya

responds by saying,“ That’s true, but atleast we can vote to bring another government.

While many countries are still struggling to have regular popular governments,

democracy in India has taken firm roots.”

Indians have been participating in elections regularly for over six decades. People

have been electing their representatives for running governments at national and state

levels and also for local governments. Voting in elections is a formal and simple form

of political participation. People’s participation becomes effective only when there

is a respect for public opinion. Within a country there are people and groups having

different points of view, some people have disagreements with certain policies or

programmes of the government. A process of debate and discussion is important for

a healthy democracy. The essence of democracy is the freedom to voice one’s opinion

even if it is critical of the government. In fact, democracy is enriched when different

voices and constructive opinions influence the policies of the government. Democratic

government is a government that sustains itself through public opinion which is

expressed through the medium of elections. In this lesson, you will learn about

elections, the electoral system, the electoral process, universal adult franchise, in

addition to the importance of public opinion in a democracy.

OBJECTIVES

After studying this lesson you will be able to:

l understand people’s participation in democratic processes;

l explain the meaning and importance of public opinion;

MODULE - 3Democracy at Work

151

People’s Participation in the Democratic Process

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Notes

l list the agencies which help formulate public opinion;

l describe the electoral system that operates in India;

l discuss the meaning of elections and their types;

l assess election malpractices and measures to check them;

l identify various electoral reforms; and

l explain the meaning of universal adult franchise and its importance.

22.1 PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION

You must have observed people voting in elections. Have you voted in any election?

We vote to elect our representatives who form and run the government. These

representatives implement the government’s policies and programmes. People’s

participation in the election is what makes our democracy a representative and

participatory democracy. But the meaning of people’s participation does not begin

and end with their voting in elections. People’s participation is also expressed through

public debates, newspaper editorials, protest demonstrations and their active

involvement in governmental programmes. Even in respect of election process, it

includes participation in campaign, political discussion, working for political parties

and standing as candidates.

Figure 22.1 People’s Participation in an election rally

People’s participation may be defined as, “behaviour through which people directly

express their political opinions”. This conceptualization is broad enough to cover the

electoral and non-electoral forms of political participation. In fact, participation

comprises all those actions of citizens by which they seek to influence, support or

criticize the government and its policies. They do so to ensure that their representatives

respond to their needs and aspirations.

SOCIAL SCIENCE


Democracy at Work

152

Notes

ACTIVITY 22.1

Ask the following questions to three people who are 18-years old or above and write

their anwers in the table given below.

Person 1 Person 2 Person 3

Did you vote in last election, why or

why not?

Did you participate in the election

process by campaigning for a party/

candidate?

If the elected person did not fulfill

his/her promise, did you make in

any public response eg. write to a

newspaper, or participate in a protest

rally .

22.2 PUBLIC OPINION: MEANING, IMPORTANCE AND

ITS AGENCIES

The discussion on people’s participation makes it abundantly clear that there are

several ways in which citizens participate in the democratic process. Public opinion

is one of the most effective ways. You also must have observed that people quite

often enter into discussion on political parties, leaders and candidates and express

their opinions on various issues. They do so while travelling in a train or a bus, or

at other public places. They also discuss policy decisions taken by the government.

Many of us write letters to the editor expressing views on different issues or

participate in protest rallies and discussions on radio or television . All such views

take the form of public opinion and influence various aspects of democratic process,

such as voting behaviour, functioning of a government and the working of administration.

22.2.1 Public Opinion: Meaning

But do the terms, ‘voice of the people’ and ‘public opinion’mean the same? When

you study these terms further, you will be able to appreciate that it is not so. In fact,

the concept of public opinion has been defined in a variety of ways and definitions

appear to be complex. At this stage, let us try to understand the meaning of public

opinion in a simple manner. Public opinion is not the unanimous opinion of the people,

nor it is the opinion of the majority. Public opinion is an organized and considered

opinion of the people on any issues of public concern. Public opinion can also be

defined as the complex collection of opinions of different people and the sum of all


153


SOCIAL SCIENCE

Notes

their views. To a great extent, various definitions on public opinion include the

following characteristics:

(a) Public opinion is an aggregate of views;

(b) views are based on reasons;

(c) these views aim at ensuring the welfare of the whole community; and

(d) public opinion influences the decisions of governments, functioning of political

parties and running of administration.

Do you know?

Public opinion as a concept dates back to the eighteenth century. This concept

came about through the process of urbanisation and other political and social

forces. For the first time, it was Jeremy Bentham, the British Philosopher, who

developed theories of public opinion. He said that public opinion had the power

to ensure that rulers would rule for the greatest happiness of the greatest number.

22.2.2 Public Opinion: Its Importance in a Democracy

The role of public opinion, in a democracy, can hardly be ignored. You already know

that democratic government draws its authority from the people and claims its

legitimacy from the consent of the governed. No government can function without

the support of the people. The process of development of public opinion generates

thinking, promotes awareness and invites people’s views on issues of public concern.

Do you realize how a democratic government is formed, sustained and controlled

by public opinion? The following roles of public opinion are especially important:

1. An alert and free public opinion is a check on absolute power;

2. it ensures a system in which no organ of the government overrules others;

3. it promotes a process to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people;

4. it influences government in making laws in the interest of the people;

5. it strengthens democratic values and norms; and

6. it protects rights, freedoms and liberty: ‘eternal vigilance’ is rightly called the price

of liberty, i.e. every citizen needs to be vigilant in order to protect democratic

values.

22.2.3 Public Opinion: Agencies for its Formulation

As we have seen above, public opinion is not the simple aggregation of views or

opinions expressed by individuals or groups. In fact, public opinion is formed on the

basis of such views and opinions, but as you find in the illustration, there are number

of agencies that contribute to its formulation. The following are some of the important

agencies which help to formulate public opinion:

SOCIAL SCIENCE


Democracy at Work

154

Notes

Figure 22.2 Sources of Public Opinion

1. Print Media: Newspapers, periodicals, magazines and other print materials have

been contributing to the formulation of public opinion since a long time. As you

are very well aware, the news items, articles, news stories, letters to editors and

several other published items on almost all the critical public issues update the

individual views and opinions. These also assimilate and concretise varied views

and opinions and help them evolve as public opinion. These media instruments

also facilitate communication of public opinion to all concerned.

2. Electronic Media: Cinema, radio, T.V. channels and now cell phones have

emerged as perhaps the most effective tools that contribute to the formulation

of public opinion. Their audio-visual mode helps a great deal in assimilating views

and opinions expressed even in the remotest part of the country. They help in

converting views into the most representative public opinion and also in

communicating it to all concerned.

3. Political Parties constitute an important agency for opinion formation. As you

also may be experiencing, almost everyday, the political parties and their leaders

feed the people with facts and ideas. We hear and see the leaders of political

parties undertaking padyatras, rathyatras and workers of political parties

conducting mass awareness activities about their programmes and policies. These

contribute a great deal in the formulation of public opinion.

4. Legislatures: Legislatures, Parliament and State Legislatures in our country are

the most effective institutions that make substantive contribution to the formation

of public opinion. The impact of their contribution has increased manifold since

the beginning of the live telecast of legislative debates. These are places where

most of the discussions and debates on all the critical issues of public policy and


155


SOCIAL SCIENCE

Notes

public welfare take place. These are watched and heard by the vast majority

of population. Legislature’s platform provides authentic information and ideas

on which public opinion is effectively formulated.

5. Educational Institutions: Different educational institutions also help create

public opinion. Our schools, colleges, universities and professional institutes leave

on our minds permanent impact. These formal educational institutions impart

political education and contribute to the formation of public opinion as well.

ACTIVITY 22.2

You may have watched the film, Rang De Basanti. Its story is about 5 young men

whose friend gets killed in a fighter aircraft crash. The corruption in government

appears to be the root cause of the incident. This event changes them from being

carefree to passion-driven individuals who are determined to avenge their friend’s

death by using violent means.

In another film, Lage Raho Munnabhai, a Mumbai (Bombay) underworld don

begins to see the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi. Through his interactions with the image

of Gandhi, Munna Bhai begins to practice what he calls Gandhigiri (focused on

satyagraha, non-violence and truth) to help ordinary people solve their problems.In

both the films the lead actors were working towards a cause using different methods.

Which method do you like more? Give your reasons.

Note: This question can be answered even if students have not seen the film.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.1

1. What do you mean by people’s participation in the democratic process?

2. Are ‘public opinion’ and ‘voice of the people’ synonyms? Give reasons to your

answer.

3. Explain the importance of Public Opinion in a democracy.

4. List any two agencies which help in the formation of public opinion? Which

agency according to you has the most powerful impact on public opinion?

22.3 ELECTIONS IN INDIA

You may have seen a polling booth as shown in the illustration where citizens are

lined up to cast their votes. In our country, elections take place for electing Members

of the Lok Sabha or the Vidhan Sabha or the representatives of Gram Panchayat

SOCIAL SCIENCE


Democracy at Work

156

Notes

or Municipal Bodies. You may have even participated in such election. Can you define

elections? Well, election is a contest among candidates in order to seek the

membership of a legislative body or a representative institution to attain a public

position. Elections, to the legislatures and local government bodies are held

periodically, usually after a particular period. The whole country or the entire State

or the area of the concerned local body is divided into a number of constituencies.

Each constituency returns one representative from a number of candidates who

contest elections. The candidate who gets the largest number of votes as against the

other candidates in the constituency is declared elected.

Figure 22.3 A polling booth with voters in a queue

A Constituency is a territorial area delimited separately for the Parliament, the

State Legislature and the local bodies in India. Each constituency returns a single

representative.

A Candidate is a prospective person seeking some position through election.

He/She is either the incumbent seeking re-election or is a challenger seeking to

unseat the incumbent or is simply an aspirant for an open seat.

A Manifesto is a document which outlines the proposed programmes and

policies of the political parties.

22.3.1 Importance of Elections

You also may have experienced that elections provide opportunities to the people

to participate actively in the functioning of the democratic government. These are the

most important expressions of public opinion, as these enable the people to express

their will. In fact, elections widen the scope of political awakening among the masses

and educate them by familiarsing them with issues of public concern. Elections

facilitate peaceful transfer of power from one political party or one group of political

parties to another and legitimise the working of the government by justifying the

authority of representatives to lead people.


157


SOCIAL SCIENCE

Notes

ACTIVITY 22.3

Mukund Das, a politician is a two time MLA from Pratappur. He is associated with

one of the prominent regional parties of Uttar Pradesh. He has 100% attendance

in the Legislative Assembly. However, in terms of his active participation in the

Assembly, he has never raised any question in the Assembly nor participated in debate

on any issue. Out of Rs. 6 crore that he had in his MLA Development Fund, he

has been able to spend only a small amount on development of roads and sewers

in his locality.

Devika Sen became an MLA from Durgapur , West Bengal. She is an independent

MLA not belonging to any political party. Her family owns a cloth mill in the area.

She has 100% attendance in the Assembly. She has often raised questions in the

Assembly relating to rights of women and on policies related to trade unions. Out

of the Rs. 6 crore from her MLA Development Fund, an amount of Rs. 4 crores

was spent on improving the schools in the area and another two crores on developing

infrastructure like roads, community centers etc. around the cloth mills.

1. Based on the above information, write in the table below, whom would you vote

for. Give reasons for your choice and suggest two ways in which the two

candidates can improve their performance.

Candidate My Vote and reasons Suggestions for improvement

Mukund Das 1.

2.

Devika 1.

2.

Neither –

22.3.2 Types of Elections

We all observe that elections do take place in our country quite often. But all the

elections are not of the same kind. The kinds of elections that take place in India

may be understood in two ways. Firstly, we have direct and indirect elections. In

direct elections, people vote directly through their ballot to elect their representatives

to legislative bodies (Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies) and local

government institutions. We have also indirect elections, in which the elected

representatives of the people vote for electing persons to occupy certain positions.

The President and the Vice-President of India are indirectly elected. The members

of the Rajya Sabha also are elected indirectly. Moreover, certain percentage of

SOCIAL SCIENCE


Democracy at Work

158

Notes

members of the Legislative Councils (that are present in some of the States) are

indirectly elected by the members of the concerned Legislative Assemblies.

Observed in a different way we find another three categories of elections. These are:

(a) General Elections, (b) Mid-term Elections, (c) Bye-elections. The General

Elections are held all over the country, for the Lok Sabha and/or for the State

Legislative Assemblies. Such elections are held after the expiry of the full term of

the legislature. The Lok Sabha Elections held in 2009, for example, may be described

as General Elections. If the elections are held before the completion of the normal

term of the legislature owing to the dissolution of legislative bodies, these are called

Mid-term Elections. The Lok Sabha elections that took place in 1991, for example,

were mid-term elections. Bye-elections are held in a particular constituency owing

to a vacancy caused by resignation or death of the elected member, or when the

election of a particular member is set aside by the judiciary. In such elections, the

member is elected for the remaining period of term of the legislature. P.V. Narsimha

Rao was elected to the Lok Sabha from Andhra Pradesh in a bye-election held in

November 1991.

1. The first general elections (Parliamentary Elections) were held in our country

in the year 1952. Since then there have been 15 General Elections (Lok

Sabha elections) up to 2009.

2. The Lok Sabha elections of 1980, 1991, 1998 and 1999 were Mid-term

Elections, held before the schedule.

3. In the history of Indian Elections, only the 1977 Lok Sabha elections were

deferred for about two years on account of the proclamation of National

Emergency in the country.


1. Examine the importance of elections in India.

2. What do you mean by direct and indirect elections?

3. Fill in the blanks

1. Elections held after the expiry of the full term of the legislatures are known

as ........................

2. If the elections are held before the completion of the normal term of the

legislature owing to the dissolution of legislative bodies, these are called

........................

3. An election held in a particular constituency owing to a vacancy caused

by resignation or death of the elected member, or when the election of

a particular member is set aside by the judiciary is known as ........................


159


SOCIAL SCIENCE

Notes

22.4 ELECTORAL SYSTEM IN INDIA

India has earned accolades for successfully conducting so many elections. But how

do all these happen? Have you ever given thought to certain questions like how are

elections conducted in a vast country like India? Who supervises the process of

elections? Who delimits the constituencies? Who declares the schedule of elections

right from nominations to declaration of results? Who are these officials, called the

returning officers, presiding officers, and polling officers? In fact, there is a huge

electoral system that has been engaged in managing elections in India. Let us discuss

its details.

22.4.1 Election Commission of India

The task of conducting free, fair and impartial elections is entrusted to an impartial

constitutional authority which is known as the Election Commission. The Election

Commission is not a legal but is a constitutional body. A legal body is one which

is created by the law of Parliament or State Legislature, while a constitutional body

is one which is provided in the Constitution itself. Our Constitution provides for the

Election Commission of India. The Election Commission consists of a Chief Election

Commissioner and the number of Election Commissioners as the President may fix

in accordance with the law. At present, the Election Commission of India consists

of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

Figure 22.4 Election Commission of India

The Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners are appointed by

the President of India. They have tenure of six years or up to the age of 65, whichever

is earlier. They enjoy the same status and service conditions as are enjoyed by the

Judges of the Supreme Court of India. The Chief Election Commissioner can be

removed only by impeachment, through a procedure as applicable in the case of a

Judge of the Supreme Court. The Election Commissioners can be removed by the

President on the recommendations of the Chief Election Commissioner.

SOCIAL SCIENCE


Democracy at Work

160

Notes

The main functions of the Election Commission of India are as follows:

1. Ensure free and fair elections in the country;

2. supervise, direct and control the entire election machinery; preparation of

electoral roll;

3. provide recognition to political parties and register them as national and state

parties;

4. allotment of symbols to political parties and the numerous independent candidates

contesting the elections;

5. issuing guidelines and code of conduct for the election officials, candidates, and

for the political parties during the elections;

6. redressal of election complaints received from the voters, the candidates and the

political parties;

7. appointment of electoral officials; and

8. advising the President on matters relating to elections.

The Election Commission performs its role with the help of a group of officials and

by observing an election procedure as discussed below:

1. Election Officials

For the conduct of elections, the Election Commission is assisted by a number of

officials. At the state level, the election work is supervised, subject to overall

superintendence, direction and control of the Commission, by the Chief Electoral

Officer of the State. The Chief Electoral Officer of the State is appointed by the

Election Commission from amongst senior civil servants proposed by the concerned

State government. He/She is, in most of the States, a full time officer and has a team

of supporting staff. The Election Commission utilises the State government officers

for election work, by designating them as District Election Officers, Electoral

Registration Officers, Returning Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers,

and Assistant Returning Officers. They all perform their functions relating to elections

in addition to their own routine responsibilities. During election time, they are available

to the Commission, more or less, on a full time basis. Out of these, there are three

main officials who play very important roles in the conduct of free and fair elections.

They are the Returning Officer, Presiding Officer and Polling Officer.

Returning Officer: In every constituency, one Officer is designated as Returning

Officer by the Commission in consultation with the concerned State government.

However, an Officer can be nominated as Returning Officer for more than one

constituency. He/She is the official who (a) receives and scrutinises the nomination

papers of the candidates contesting elections, (b) allots election symbols on behalf

of the Election Commission, (c) conducts smooth elections in the constituency(ies),

(d) ensures counting of votes, and (e) declares the election results.


161


SOCIAL SCIENCE

Notes

Presiding Officers: Every constituency has a large number of polling booths. Every

booth, for 800-1000 voters, remains under the charge of an Officer who is known

as Presiding Officer. He/She supervises the entire process in the polling booth and

ensures that every voter gets an opportunity to cast vote freely and that there is no

impersonation. After the polling is over, he/she seals all the ballot boxes and delivers

them to the Returning Officer.

Polling Officer: Every Presiding Officer is assisted by three or four officials who

are called the Polling Officers. These officials ensure that the elections take place

smoothly at the polling booth. They check the names of the voters in the electoral

roll, put indelible ink on the finger of the voter, issue ballot papers and ensure that

votes are secretly cast by each voter.

1. Impersonation: It is ‘bogus’ voting. When somebody takes on a false

identity and votes instead of the real person during elections, such an illegal

act is called impersonation. It can be curtailed by compulsory identification

through use of voters’ cards.

2. Indelible ink: This ink cannot be removed easily. It is put on the index

finger of the right hand of the voter, so that a person does not come again

to cast vote for the second time. This is done to avoid impersonation.

2. The Electoral Process in India

The election process is a considerably long process having numerous stages. It is

important for you to recognize various stages of the electoral process, which are as

follows:

1. Delimitation of constituencies is the first step which is undertaken by the

Delimitation Commission.

2. Preparation and revision of the electoral roll constitute the next step done under

the supervision of the Election Commission periodically.

3. Consequent upon the President’s and Governor’s notifications, the Election

Commission undertakes the task of conducting elections in the country.

4. The election schedule is announced indicating the dates for filling the nomination

papers, their scrutiny, withdrawals, polling, counting of the votes, and declaration

of the election results.

5. Allotment of election symbols to the candidates, and the political parties is done

by the Election Commission.

6. The candidates and the political parties are given time for election campaigns by

the Election Commission.

SOCIAL SCIENCE


Democracy at Work

162

Notes

7. Re-poll, if necessary, in a constituency or in a part of the constituency, is done

only on the orders of the Election Commission.

8. Countermanding of election is done when a duly nominated candidate belonging

to a recognized political party dies any time after the last date of withdrawals

of the nomination papers and the commencement of the polling. The countermanding

orders are issued by the Election Commission.

9. The election disputes such as improper rejection of nomination papers of the

candidate(s), use of unfair or corrupt means during the elections, bribing and

intimidating of voters, or the use of official machinery are probed by the judiciary,

i.e. the High Court, and through appeals by the Supreme Court.

22.4.2 Polling and After

You must have noticed that the polling day, at every polling booth is a day full of

activities. On the day of the polling, the voters go to their respective polling booths,

and wait in a queue, for their turn. On entering the polling room, the voter discloses

his/her identity to the first polling officer, and then to the second one. After that,

another polling officer puts indelible ink on the first finger of left hand in the case

of a male voter, and on the right hand in case of the female voter. This is done to

avoid bogus or false voting or impersonation. Impersonation, you must be aware is

an offence, punishable by law. After the identification of the voter is done by the

officials, the voter is given a ballot paper or is shown the electronic voting machine

(EVM) containing the names of the candidates along with their respective election

symbols. Does not the EVM look like the one shown in the illustration?

Figure 22.5 Voting in a Polling Booth

Figure 22.6 Electronic Voting Machine


163


SOCIAL SCIENCE

Notes

If a ballot paper is given, the elector casts his/her vote by marking the ballot paper

with a rubber stamp on or near the symbol of the candidate of his/her choice, inside

a screened compartment in the polling station. The voter then folds the ballot paper

and inserts it in a common ballot box which is kept in full view of the Presiding Officer

and polling agents of the candidates.

But if the electronic voting machine is used, the voter uses the machine to indicate

his/her choice of candidate. Secrecy is maintained so that nobody gets to know for

whom the voter has voted. After the polling, boxes or EVMs are sealed and sent

to the counting centres. The votes are counted and the candidate who obtains the

largest number of votes is declared elected. The candidate who fails to poll even

one-sixth of the total votes cast in the constituency, forfeits his/her security deposits.

If any candidate suspects corrupt practices used by the other candidates, he/she can

file an election petition in the High Court. If the court is satisfied that corrupt means

were used, the election is set aside. An appeal can be made in the Supreme Court

against the decision of the High Court.

Ballot paper is a piece of paper which indicates the names of the candidates

together with their election symbols. It is used to record the choices made by

voters.

The Secret Ballot is a voting method in which the voters’ choices are made

confidential, in an election or in a referendum. The method is a means of achieving

the objective of secrecy.

Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is a simple electronic device used in place

of ballot papers and boxes which were used earlier in conventional voting

system. It was first used in 1982 in the bye-election to Parur Assembly

Constituency of Kerala for a limited number of polling stations (50 polling

stations). During the General Elections of 2004 in india, elections were

conducted using a total of 10.75 lacs EVMs


1. How is the Election Commission constituted?

2. What according to you are the two most critical functions of the Election

Commission?

3. Who are the main election officials from state level to the level of polling booth?

SOCIAL SCIENCE


Democracy at Work

164

Notes

4. If you are assigned the task of acting as a Returning Officer, what main functions

will you perform and how will you ensure free, fare and peaceful poll in the

constituency?

5. What are the five major stages of electoral process in India?

22.5 PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS AND

ELECTORAL REFORMS

The discussion so far has enabled us to appreciate the significance of elections

ensuring people’s participation in the democratic process. But over the years, it has

been found that the election system in India needs improvement to make India a truly

participatory democracy. We shall now discuss the most notable factor that has

contributed to ensure people’s participation in elections. The discussion will also focus

on those issues that are considered concerns of Indian elections as well as on

suggested electoral reforms.

22.5.1 Universal Adult Franchise

Elections play an important role primarily because of the system of universal adult

franchise adopted in India just after its independence. It is interesting to observe that

in Great Britain, the universal adult franchise was granted in 1928, nearly 300 years

after the process of democratization began. In Switzerland, the Home of Democracy,

it was also granted as late as in 1972. In India, however, universal adult franchise

became a part of the electoral process right from the beginning of our establishment

as a democracy, that is, after Independence. What does Universal Adult Franchise

mean?

Let us begin with the literal meaning of the concept of universal adult franchise in

this context. ‘Universal’ means commonly applicable to all persons, without any

discrimination; ‘adult’ means a person who is a major and not a minor; ‘franchise’

means individual’s right to cast his/her vote. Universal adult franchise thus means,

a system in which all adults, men and women, without any discrimination, have a right

to vote in the elections. But all adults do not include those who are legally barred

from voting.

1. New Zealand was the first country to grant universal franchise in 1893, and

Finland was the first European Country to do so, in 1906.

2. Universal Adult Franchise was introduced in Germany in 1919, Sweden in

1920, and France in 1945.

The concept of universal adult franchise is based on the principle of political equality:

one person, one vote; none has more than one vote. It helps ensure liberty of the

people and helps secure protection of rights. It is educative in so far as it widens

the scope of people’s participation.


165


SOCIAL SCIENCE

Notes

The right to vote is linked with age of the person. The minimum age required for

voting differs from country to country. In most countries of our times, the voting age

is 18 years, as in India, China, United States of America, Great Britain and Russia.

In countries like Iran, the minimum age for a voter is 15, while in Brazil, Cuba,

Nicaragua, it is 16 years, and in Indonesia, North Korea and Sudan, it is 17 years.

In Japan and Tunisia, it is 20 years, while in South Korea, it is 19 years. In countries

such as Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, the voting age is 21 years,

but in Uzbekistan, a voter has to have a minimum age of 25 years.

22.5.2 Electoral Reforms

As we have seen, the electoral system in India based on universal adult franchise

has helped our voters not only in choosing their representatives, but also in facilitating

smooth and peaceful change of governments, replacing one political party or a set

of political parties by another. We have also observed that our elections, held so

far, have largely been free and fair. People have participated in the election processes

actively. Accordingly, elections have become an important part of our democratic

life. And yet, there are certain critical problems that have been adversely affecting

not only the quality of electoral process but also the functioning of democratic system.

These definitely call for electoral reforms.

In fact, the electoral reforms have been engaging the attention of the Parliament, the

Government, the Election Commission, the Press and the people for a long time.

Some measures were implemented in the past to remove glaring lacunae in the law.

Based on the experiences in the recent past, the need has been felt for some steps

to be taken quickly for amendment of certain provisions of law. There are issues

like (a) rigging of the elections - fake and bogus voting, impersonation, (b) violence

during elections, (c) adverse role of money and muscle power, (d) intimidation of

voters especially the people of weaker sections, (e) misuse of governmental

machinery, (f) booth capturing and criminalization in both elections and politics, that

demand immediate attention

Figure 22.7 Free and Fair Election

SOCIAL SCIENCE


Democracy at Work

166

Notes

These negative developments have been discussed at different levels and actions are

on for electoral reforms. Indeed, a lot of electoral reforms have already been

introduced. But no system of election can ever be perfect. In actual practice, there

always come up flaws and limitations in the electoral practices. We have to keep

searching some mechanism to make elections truly free, fair and impartial. Numerous

suggestions for electoral reforms have come from scholars, political parties,

government sponsored committees, and various independent sources.

A tentative list of suggested electoral reforms is as follows:

1. Democratization of electoral system be made from time to time so as to keep

the electoral system in pace with changing times;

2. change from the on-going system (plurality system) to some form of proportional

representation system to be introduced to reduce the votes-seats imbalance (see

box below);

3. the functioning of political parties to be regulated in order to ensure that they

function in a transparent and democratic manner. There is a need to audit their

expenditure incurred during the elections;

4. electoral laws to be made more stringent and there must be provisions for

harsher punishment;

5. state funding of elections to be introduced so as to reduce and curb election

expenses;

6. special provision to be made to ensure at least one third representation of women

in Parliament and State legislatures;

7. the role of money and muscle power to be curbed during the elections;

8. criminalization of politics to be stopped in the elections;

9. candidates with any criminal record to be barred from contesting elections; and

10. complete ban to be imposed on the use of caste and religious appeal in election

campaigns.

1. The Plurality System refers to an election won by the candidate having

maximum votes. This voting system is used at present to elect members of

the legislative assembly in single-member and multi-member constituencies.

2. The Proportional Representation is an electoral device to ensure

representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their

voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party

or interest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes

it obtains.


167


SOCIAL SCIENCE

Notes

The Election Commission has taken several new initiatives in the recent past, a

reference to some of which has already been made above. Notable among these

are: (i) a scheme for use of State owned Electronic Media for broadcast/telecast

by political parties, (ii) restrictions on Opinion and Exit Polls (because these polls

might influence voters), (iii) checking criminalisation of politics, (iv) computerisation

of electoral rolls, (v) providing electors with Identity Cards, (vi) simplifying the

procedure for maintenance of accounts and filing of the same by candidates and (vii)

a variety of measures for strict compliance of Model Code of Conduct for providing

a level playing field to contestants during the elections. As our electoral system has

worked well even under certain adverse conditions, hopes are ripe that democracy

in our country is going to stay and continue to be better. Our people are committed

to democratic values and there are chances that the governments would come up

to people’s expectations.

ACTIVITY 22.4

Given below is a short interview sheet. Conduct this interview with the adults in your

family or neighborhood to find out what they feel about voting.

1. Name : Age :

2. When did you vote for the first time?

3. How did you decide on the candidate you voted for?

4. Have you ever seen the manifesto of a political party? Did it help you to take

your decision?


1. Universal adult franchise ensures that the vote of every Indian citizen is equally

valuable. Do you think that this has been able to reduce inequalities related to

class, caste, gender and religion . Justify your view point.

2. Mention any three problems that are confronted by the electoral system in India.

3. Mention any two electoral reforms you think are important to improve our

electoral system.

WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT?

l In a large country like ours, representative democracy is desirable. Representative

government works through representation and representation through elections.

Elections, therefore, are the basis of democracy.

SOCIAL SCIENCE


Democracy at Work

168

Notes

l Elections require electorate and electoral processes. Electorate means citizens

exercising franchise. In modern democracy, universal adult franchise (all adult

citizens without any discrimination, have the right to vote) is essential.

l Single member constituency system is more common than multi-member

constituency. Voting is through secret ballot.

l Usually the elections are direct for popular legislative assemblies, though indirect

election system is used for certain offices such as the President and the Vice-

President of India.

l The electoral process moves through various stages: filling up the nomination

papers for election by the candidates, scrutiny of the nomination papers,

withdrawals from elections, election campaign, results, etc.

l In India, there is a provision for independent and impartial Election Commission

to conduct and supervise elections.

l In the context of a number of lacunae in the on-going electoral process, there

is a need for electoral reforms.

TERMINAL EXERCISES

1. What do you mean by people’s participation in the democratic process? Do you

think, casting votes in elections is the be-all and end-all of people’s participation?

Give reasons.

2. Define Public Opinion and discuss its importance in a democracy.

3. Give any four agencies which help to formulate public opinion. Which agency

according to you has the most powerful impact on public opinion?

4. Examine the role of elections in Indian democratic system. Discuss the types of

elections that are held in the country.

5. What are the major functions of the Election Commission of India? What are

the major stages of election process?

6. What is meant by Universal Adult Franchise? Explain its significance.

7. In India where we see many inequalities related to class, caste, gender, religion,

how successful do you think is universal adult franchise?

8. Discuss any four major problems confronted by the electoral system in India.

9. Do you think there is an urgent need to effect electoral reforms in India? What

are the major recommendations for bringing about election reforms?

10. Make an Action Plan for the Election Commission, for bringing about reforms

in the process of electoral campaigning. The Plan should help promote effective

dissemination of information among the general public, about political parties and

candidates.


169


SOCIAL SCIENCE

Notes

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS

22.1

1. People’s participation includes voting in elections, it is also expressed through

public debates, newspaper editorials, protest demonstrations and their active

involvement in governmental programmes. Even in respect of election process,

it includes participation in campaign, political discussion, working for political

parties and standing as candidates.

2. ‘Voice of the people’ and ‘public opinion’ do not mean the same. Public opinion

is not the unanimous opinion of the people, nor is it the opinion of the majority.

Public opinion is an organized and considered opinion of the people on any issue

of public concern. Public opinion can also be defined as the complex collection

of opinions of many different people and the sum of all their views.

3. Public opinion plays an important role in a democracy. A democratic government

draws its authority from the people and claims its legitimacy from the consent

of the governed. No government can function without the support of the people.

The process of development of public opinion generates thinking, promotes

awareness and invites people’s views on issues of public concern. An alert and

free public opinion is a check on absolute power and it promotes a process to

be responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people. It also influences

government in making laws in the interest of the people.

4. Two agencies which help in the formation of public opinion are Print media and

electronic media.

Write the answer to the second part based on your understanding and experience.

22.2

1. Elections provide opportunities to the people to participate actively in the

functioning of the democratic government. These are the most important

expression of public opinion, as these enable the people to express their will.

Elections also widen the scope of political awakening among the masses and

educate them by familiarizing them with issues of public concern. They facilitate

peaceful transfer of power from one political party or one group of political parties

to another and legitimise the working of the government by justifying the authority

of representatives lead people.

2. In direct elections, people vote directly through their ballot to elect their

representatives to legislative bodies (Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies)

and local government institutions. In indirect elections, the elected representatives

of the people vote for electing persons to occupy certain positions. The President

SOCIAL SCIENCE


Democracy at Work

170

Notes

and the Vice-President of India are indirectly elected. The members of the Rajya

Sabha also are elected indirectly.

3. (a) General Elections, (b) Mid-term Elections, (c) Bye Election

22.3

1. The Election Commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and such

number of Election Commissioners as the President may fix in accordance with

the law. At present, the Election Commission of India consists of a Chief Election

Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

2. The two important functions of the election commission are

(i) Ensuring free and fair elections in the country;

(ii) supervision, direction and control of the entire election machinery.

3. For the conduct of elections, the Election Commission is assisted by a number

of officials. The main election officers are the Chief Electoral Officer of the State,

District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers, Returning Officers,

Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, and Polling

officers.

4. The following are the main functions performed by a returning officer:

(a) receives and scrutinizes the nomination papers of the candidates contesting

elections, (b) allots election symbols on behalf of the Election Commission,

(c) conducts smooth elections in the constituency(ies), (d) ensures counting

of votes, and (e) declares the election results.

5. The five major stages of electoral process in India are:

(i) Delimitation of constituencies is the first step which is undertaken by the

Delimitation Commission;

(ii) preparation and revision of the electoral roll constitute the next step done

under the supervision of the Election Commission periodically;

(iii) consequent upon the President’s and Governor’s notifications, the Election

Commission undertakes the task of conducting elections in the country;

(iv) the election schedule is announced indicating the dates for filling the

nomination papers, their scrutiny, withdrawals, polling, counting of the

votes, and declaration of the election results;

(v) allotment of election symbols to the candidates and the political parties is

done by the Election Commission.

22.4

1. Universal adult franchise means a system in which all adults, men and women,

without any discrimination, have a right to vote in the elections. In many ways


171


SOCIAL SCIENCE

Notes

Universal Adult Franchise has provided opportunities to people to participate in

election processes despite differences of class, caste, gender and religion. It has

enriched our democracy by giving equal opportunity to all persons. Today, people

of all castes and classes have an opportunity to vote. However, we cannot say

that the inequalities in our society have completely gone, persons belonging to

different castes, classes and gender is still discriminated. Real equality can only

be brought in once there is a change in the attitude and behavior of ordinary

citizens and they stop discrimination at all levels in their personal lives as well

at the societal level.

2. Three problems confronting the electoral system in India are:

(a) rigging of the elections - fake and bogus voting, impersonation;

(b) violence during elections;and

(c) adverse role of money and muscle power.

3. (i) The functioning of political parties to be regulated in order to ensure that

they function in a transparent and democratic manner. There is a need to

audit their expenditure incurred during the elections;

(ii) electoral laws to be made more stringent and there must be provisions for

harsher punishment.

MODULE-4

CONTEMPORARY INDIA: ISSUES

AND GOALS

23. Challenges to Indian Democracy

24. National Integration and Secularism

25. Socio-economic Development and Empowerment

of Disadvantaged groups

26. Environmental Degradation and Disaster

Management

27. Peace and Security